What to Wear to a Professional Interview

One question I get asked over and over is what to wear to a job interview for a corporate / professional setting. Since it is almost graduation season- and many young women are interviewing for their first professional / office job- now seemed like the perfect time to do a post with style tips for dressing for an interview.

Blazer // Heels // Handbag // Watch // Bracelets (20% off with code LegalLee) // Lipstick (shade is "Anita")

What to Wear to a Professional Interview:

1. Suit Separates

 This is pretty straight forward; for a professional interview wear a suit. Find a blazer that you love (these are my favorite affordable blazers) and then get and wear the matching skirt, dress, or pants (whichever you feel most comfortable in). An interview is not the time to be bold, fashion wise, so stick with black, navy or dark gray.

2. Functional Handbag

For an interview you want to be prepared for anything the day may bring at you. I always recommend having a second copy of your resume, a granola bar, gum, band-aids, safety pins (you never know!), a pair of flats if you are commuting or walking around a lot, and a bottle of water. To fit all of this stuff, you need a handbag that is actually functional - no cute little clutches! I highly recommend the York tote because it is spacious, has a laptop compartment with a zip top, (perfect to throw a resume in to keep it safe), and it is simple & classic in it's look.

3. Comfortable Heels

I cannot emphasis enough the importance of comfortable heels. Not only will you be happy and more comfortable but it sends a message that you prioritize functionality such that your 'style' will not detract from the work your future employer needs you to do. As pretty as stilettos are, they don't exude practicality and the ability to run around and get your job done. If you haven't read my guide to the best heels for work be sure to check that out. Last thing- I recommend a pointed toe over a round toe as it gives off an older, more professional vibe. 

4. A Watch

So many of us rely on our cell phones now (.. I am so guilty of that) but for an interview, it looks professional to have a watch on. Plus, if you're phone dies while you're on route to your interview (or interviews) you're covered.

5. Simple Jewelry

Some people will even advise that you should wear no jewelry to an interview. I think that is an outdated recommendation, and that in today's job market it is more than acceptable to wear some simple jewelry - just don't go over board. I would recommend a simple pendant necklace or a bracelet.

Let me know if you have any questions! If you are interviewing for a job this season, good luck!!! I am sending you postive vibes through the interwebs :)

Shop My Outfit:  

linking up with: mix it mondays // hello monday // #howispring // creative mondays

Read more »

5 Easy Work Outfits to Try When You Hate Everything in Your Closet

We all know the feeling. Those mornings you wake up, tear apart your closet, and end up with an 'oh-my-gosh-I-could-bury-a-body-in-this-it-so-huge' pile of clothes on your floor. ... and you still have nothing you want to wear to work.

Fear not, there are some tricks you can use to create an outfit you actually want to wear from the pieces you already have in your closet. Below are 5 work outfits to give you some business casual outfit inspiration. For each outfit, there is one key tip that you can use when you just don't know what to wear to work. 

1. Wear a Bold Blazer AND a Print (Full Outfit Post Here)

Chances are you have at least one colored blazer (or cardigan) in your closet. Chances are that you likely wear it with white or black. Grab your bright colored blazer or cardigan and pair it instead with a printed top. You've just created a chic, bold, work outfit simply by "re-pairing" items of clothing that were already in your closet. *happy dance*

2. Opt for a Pleated Skirt (Full Post Here)

Step away from your go-to pencil skirt. Pair whatever shirt you would normally wear with your trusty pencil skirt, with a pleated skirt instead. Pleated skirts are still office appropriate, but they change the entire silhouette of your work look.

3. Add a 1-minute DIY (Full Post Here)

Whenever I am in a blah mood. You know, the "every outfit I am picking out is boring" mood, I use this little trick. Simply take any button down shirt that you have in your closet and pin a pair of earrings to the collar. The touch of bling is still work appropriate, but it gets you out of your style rut!

 4. Go Monochrome (Full Post Here)

Like most young professionals, I often wear a matching suit set and I use my shirt to add a pop of color to the outfit. This can get monotonous. To change things up, go for a monochromatic look from head to toe. A cream blouse with a cream suit, a black knit with a black suit, etc. The result is chic business casual.

5. Throw on a Sleeveless Blazer (Full Post Here) 

If your go-to pants and top are just not working for you, try adding a sleeveless blazer to top of the outfit. Or, if you were going to wear a blazer, try a sleeveless one instead. This is a great trick because it works all year long. In the summer you can wear a t-shirt underneath, as I did in the outfit above, and in the winter you can wear it with long sleeve blouse or turtleneck.

If you liked this post, don't forget to follow me on social media for more! Find me on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Page & Pinterest

linking up with: let it shine // #howifall // hello monday // on trend tuesdays // style swap // TFF

Read more »

Three Timeless Fall Trends

It is officially fall weather here in Vancouver. So, in getting ready for the fall, I wanted to share with you three trends that are timeless; trends you can count on to look great fall after fall, after fall. 

Three Timeless Fall Trends

1) Plaid

*Original Outfit Post: HERE*

As soon as the weather turns colder, you can bet that plaid will be back in fashion. The nice thing about plaid is that you can make quite the statement with it - as I did with the above shirt. Or; you can use it as more of an accent to your outfit - as I did in the outfit below. 

 *Original Outfit Post: HERE*

 2) Stripes

 *Original Outfit Post: HERE*

*Original Outfit Post: HERE*

 

The beauty of stripes as a pattern is that they can look nautical & summery, or ready for fall totally depending on how you style them. My striped tees are probably the most worn items in my wardrobe for this very reason!  

To ensure your stripes are "fall ready"; pair them with other fall colors like burgundy or camel - or course mix them with plaid!  

3) Leopard Print 

 *Original Outfit Post: HERE*

 *Original Outfit Post: HERE*

The quote that leopard is a neutral is so true - especially for the fall. In the fall, leopard print can replace your basic black or tan to give your outfits more depth. Again, pairing leopard print with fall tones such as burgundy is an easy way to create a timeless fall look. 

An InLinkz Link-up

linking up with: TFF // summer style // #WIWT // casual friday // friday faves // flashback fashion friday // fabulous friday // trend spin

Read more »

The 8 Shoes Every Working Woman Should Own

I get a lot of reader questions about wardrobe essentials. Today I am sharing with you the 9 shoes that every working women should own. If you are a young professional, consider this your shoe-shopping checklist! I've linked up 3 of my current favorites of each type of shoe below; with one each at a low, mid-range and "splurge" price point.

1. Black Patent Pumps

A true classic. A patent pump in a heel height that is comfortable for you, is never going to let you down.

2. Nude Pumps

Not only do they elongate your legs giving you a flattering line, but nude pumps go with nearly every outfit. As if you needed another reason to swoon over Louboutin pumps: great news! Louboutin has recently announced that they are launching their classic nude pump in SEVEN shades this fall. That means that everyone will (hopefully) be able to find a perfect shade. Diversity for the win!

3. Statement Pumps

A pair of statement pumps - basically any pump of a bold color or pattern, or any pump with an interesting design (think cutouts, bows, etc.) - are a wardrobe must have. These are the perfect way to add some personality and personal expression to a classic work outfit. Because there are so many great options for statement pumps, below I have linked up 3 of my favorites at each price point.

4. Black Wedges
Nothing beats the sophistication of a high heel, but wedges are a must to give your feet a break. A black wedge still looks polished & professional - but is easier on your feet! At least once a week give your feet a break and go for a wedge!

5. Basic Flats
Some days your feet just need a break. Other days, you're outfit just looks better with flats. Every working woman needs a pair of classic flats in her wardrobe. These are also perfect for commuting to and from work - you can always change into heels once you are at the office.

6. Statement Flats
Flats don't have to be boring! There is a misconception that flats are only for your 'comfort' days. Now more than ever, designers are releasing flats that are chic and professional. Add at least one pair of statement flats to your shoe wardrobe. I've linked up two of my personal favorites at each price point in the widget below.

7. Black Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are a perfect way to add a bit more edge or drama to a classic work look. They are also great to help transition your wear-to-work wardrobe from summer to fall.

8. Kitten Heels
A kitten heel is, by most definitions, any pump with a heel of 1-2 inches. This shorter heel is ideal for dresses or skirts that hit at the knee or higher. Below I've listed a classic black and a statement kitten heel at each price point.

If you liked this post, be sure to check out my style guide on The Best & Most Comfortable Heels for Work! With options at every price point this guide sorts through hundreds of reviews and feedback to give you what are considered to be comfortable wear to work heels! Enjoy!

Read more »

The 5 Blazers Every Working Woman Needs

~original outfit post here~

As a young professional it is tough to build up your wear-to-work wardrobe. You want to put your best foot forward in your career, and that includes looking & feeling your best. Blazers are a wardrobe staple for young professionals, so today I have got your guide to the top 5 blazers every working woman needs.

(1) Fitted Black Blazer

~original outfit post here~ 

A fitted black blazer is the absolute staple of any young professional's wardrobe. It's a timeless piece that can be worn with just about anything. I recommend keeping a well fitted black blazer in your office at all times. Think of it as your professional looking security blanket - thought you had a casual day and then suddenly an important meeting is thrown at you? You can add a fitted blazer to whatever you are wearing to make your outfit appropriate for any work event. You can shop my top picks for fitted black blazers below.

(2) Menswear Inspired Blazer

~original outfit post here~

Every woman needs a powerful blazer in her arsenal, and a menswear inspired style is perfect for that. A tuxedo jacket, similar to the one I am wearing here, is a great style that carries both the confidence of a menswear inspired blazers and the fashion forward element that every working fashionista wants. You can shop my top menswear inspired blazer picks below. 

(3) Good Quality Blazer

~original outfit post here~

While you are starting out in your professional career, you may not have the budget to go crazy on work wear. In my opinion you don't need a ton of expensive blazers, but you do need one really good quality blazer. My personal favorite blazer is the one pictured in the above photo from Citzen's Mark. The fabric and tailoring are so high quality and so beautiful!

(4) Cropped Blazer

~original outfit post here~

A cropped blazer is an important item of wear-to-work clothing that pairs well with those wide-leg trousers you've been seeing on-trend this year, as well as office appropriate dresses. Below you can shop my personal favorite cropped blazers.

 (5) Bold Blazer 

~original outfit post here~

Every working woman needs one bold or bright blazer they can wear to work that is their "stand out" item. I love wearing a bright blue, emerald or red blazer with basic black to brighten up my work wear. Below are my favorite bold blazers; and all are under $200! 

linking up with: let it shine // #ootd // #howispring // mix it mondays // friday faves // fabulous friday // WW // creative mondays

Read more »